«If you want to consider other options, a new health insurance exchange will provide choices. The exchange will create competition for the powerful insurance companies, and lower costs.

«In addition to continuing existing private and public plans (such as Medicare, VA, Tricare and Medicaid), a new, nonprofit Medicare-like public plan option will further foster competition and keep insurance companies honest.

«Extended coverage for young adults.

FAMILIES WITH NO HEALTH COVERAGE: CREATING A LIFELINE TO WORKING FAMILIES, COST RELIEF FOR OUR COMMUNITY

«Affordable insurance available for families with no health insurance, including those with chronic illness.

«Today, insurance companies can discriminate against you and your family based on pre-existing conditions. Under this bill, that will change. Insurance companies won’t be allowed to turn you away – even if you have a serious health problem such as diabetes, a heart condition or cancer.

«Families of four earning $26,000 or less covered through Florida Medicaid.

«Creates a new health insurance exchange – real choices – where people can shop for insurance and compare policies.

«Large employers MUST provide coverage or pay a fee.

«Affordability credits are provided on a sliding scale for working- and middle-class families earning between $18,000 and $88,000.

SENIORS ON MEDICARE PUT CASH BACK IN THEIR POCKET

«Close gap in Medicare Part D known as the “doughnut hole.”

«Eliminate copayments and deductibles for most checkups and preventative care.

«Make it easier for low-income seniors to get help with the cost of Medicare

TAMPABAY AREA FAMILIES AND SENIORS – A HEALTHIER COMMUNITY, ECONOMY AND NEW JOBS

«In the TampaBay area, 561,000 uninsured individuals will gain access to health insurance if we pass a health insurance reform bill this year.

«University of SouthFlorida, HillsboroughCommunity College, St. PetersburgCollege and ManateeCommunity College will train the modern health care workforce. The TampaBay area is one of the premiere health care education centers in America. We will create jobs in the health care sector.